Tom Pell has been named as academy manager of Cambridge United – with Mark Bonner assuming a role in the first team on a permanent basis.

Bonner, currently interim assistant head coach, was promoted to first teach coach in January, filling the role left by Mick Halsall.

He initially held both roles alongside each other, but now Pell will take over the duty of running the academy.

Pell, who joined the club in 2006, was a key cog in the reformation of the club’s youth scheme, including it earning Category Three status and the development of academy products who have earned professional contracts such as Leon Davies, Harry Darling and Matt Foy.

“Having led each phase within the academy, Tom already has an extensive knowledge of the players within our system,” head of football Ben Strang said.

“Tom now has the ideal situation of leading an already thriving set-up, which is in no small part down to Mark Bonner’s outstanding leadership.”

The change in structure will take place with immediate effect and Strang thanked Bonner, who has been tasked with managing the progression of youngsters from the academy to the first team, for his “relentless drive to improve the academy.”

Mark Bonner will remain as first team coach. Picture: Simon Lankester

“We must thank Mark for his dedication and relentless drive to improve the academy,” he said.

“He has been assisted by an outstanding group of staff in ensuring that we strive to compete above our natural level and continue to be an extremely well regarded Category Three academy.

He added: “Mark’s deserved recognition of a first team coaching position now enables Tom with the opportunity to progress us further. We are excited to see the next stage of the Academy as it continues to evolve.”